Which 2026 rules were amended after the rulebook was printed?

USA Swimming amended several 2026 rules to match World Aquatics. The amendments are effective immediately and override the printed and PDF rulebook:

• Finish submersion (butterfly 101.3.5, backstroke 101.4.2 and .4, freestyle 101.5.4): once some part of the swimmer's head has passed the final 5-meter or 5-yard mark just before reaching for the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged.
• Breaststroke (101.2.2): after the turn, the body must be on the breast before any stroke or kick after leaving the wall.
• IM freestyle turns (101.6.3A): the swimmer must return to the breast before any kick or stroke after leaving the wall.
• Warning signal (101.1.4): given in freestyle events of 400 meters/500 yards or longer, when the leader has two lengths plus 5 yards/meters to go.
• Counters (102.6A): allowed in freestyle or other long-distance pool events of 400 meters/500 yards or longer.
• Swimwear (102.8.1E): therapeutic elastic tape is prohibited. Taping no more than two fingers or toes together for an injury is allowed. Data-collection devices may not transmit to the swimmer.

Other 2026 changes include: the Starter or Stroke and Turn Judges can enforce the starting position (101.1), and swimmers must finish in the lane they started in (102.21.5).